One way I have found
to learn the message of Scripture is to focus on the persons involved. For
instance, if one will study the people connected with David he will soon
have a reasonable record of David's history and significance in Israel.
Abishai was one such person.

He was David's nephew, brother of Joab and Asahel, accompanied
David when he could have killed Saul in the cave, once saved David's
life from a giant, was a tremendous warrior and leader of men. His career
sparkled with loyalty for his king and self-denial to advance the career
of David.

You will find reading about Abishai in the Old Testament record
an adventuresome and interesting episode of human commitment and a
contributor to history with remarkable consequences. There are many, many
more like him with whom you will want to become acquainted.